Smart medication dispenser

ABSTRACT

An aspect of the present disclosure is related to a medication dispensing device that includes a housing with an interior. A plurality of cartridge slots are located in the interior, and each of the cartridge slots includes a drive mechanism. A plurality of cartridges are removably disposed in respective ones of the cartridge slots. Each cartridge includes a stationary hub and a rotational wheel. The stationary hub has a window, and the rotational wheel has a plurality of medication chambers that contain medications. The rotational wheel is disposed in the stationary hub. The drive mechanism of the respective cartridge slot is operably connected with the drive wheel and is configured to rotate the rotational wheel relative to the stationary hub to selectively align the medication chambers with the window to dispense the medications contained in the medication chambers out of the cartridge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Continuation application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/098,011, filed on Nov. 13, 2020,entitled “SMART MEDICATION DISPENSER”; said application claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/935,942, filed on Nov. 15,2019, entitled “SMART PILL DISPENSER”, the contents of both applicationsare herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related generally to a medication dispensingdevice which contains multiple different types of medications and candispense those medications to a user.

BACKGROUND

One known product that is designed to improve medication compliance is amulti-chamber pill container that includes a plurality of individualchambers that can contain the same or different types of medicationsarranged according to dosages, i.e., a first does is in the firstchamber, a second dose is in the second chamber, etc. Such pillcontainers need to be filled and operated manually. Another knownproduct includes a series of blister packs that individually containdosages of medications. Such blister packs can also contain personalizeddosages but are generally filled in a pharmaceutical setting.

An aspect of the present disclosure is related to a medicationdispensing device that includes a housing with an interior. A pluralityof cartridge slots are located in the interior, and each of thecartridge slots includes a drive mechanism. A plurality of cartridgesare removably disposed in respective ones of the cartridge slots. Eachcartridge includes a stationary hub and a rotational wheel. Thestationary hub has a window, and the rotational wheel has a plurality ofmedication chambers that contain medications. The rotational wheel isdisposed in the stationary hub. The drive mechanism of the respectivecartridge slot is operably connected with the drive wheel and isconfigured to rotate the rotational wheel relative to the stationary hubto selectively align the medication chambers with the window to dispensethe medications contained in the medication chambers out of thecartridge.

In an example embodiment, the rotational wheel of each cartridgeincludes a plurality of teeth, and the drive mechanism of each cartridgeslot includes an increment gear that is mechanically coupled with theteeth of the rotational wheel for driving rotation of the rotationalwheel relative to the stationary hub.

In an example embodiment, the drive mechanism of each cartridge slotfurther includes an electric motor.

In an example embodiment, the rotational wheel includes a plurality ofradially extending wall that are circumferentially spaced apart from oneanother by the medication chambers.

In an example embodiment, the stationary hub of each cartridge includesa non-circular tab that is received in a similarly shaped opening of thecartridge slot to orient the window in a vertically downward direction.

In an example embodiment, the medication dispensing device furtherincludes a memory that contains data related to an automatic dispensingschedule and includes a processor that is configured to control rotationof the increment gear to rotate the rotational wheel and dispense themedications from the cartridge according to the automatic dispensingschedule.

In an example embodiment, the housing further includes a dispensingchute that guides the medications dispensed out of the cartridgesthrough the windows to a dispensing tray.

In an example embodiment, each of the cartridges has a chip thatincludes data corresponding to the contents of the cartridge and thehousing includes a chip reader that is configured to read the data onthe chip.

In an example embodiment, the medication dispensing device furtherincludes a wireless module for communicating with an external device.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is related to a medicationdispensing device that includes a housing, which has an interior with aplurality of cartridge slots. Each of the cartridge slots includes adrive mechanism. A plurality of cartridges are removably disposed in thecartridge slots. Each of the cartridges includes a rotational wheel thatis operably connected with the drive mechanism of the cartridge slot.The rotational wheel includes a plurality of medication chambers thatare circumferentially spaced apart from one another and that containmedications. A processor is configured to selectively and individuallyactivate the drive mechanisms of the cartridge slots to selectivelydispense medications out of any of the cartridges contained in thecartridge slots.

In an example embodiment, the processor is configured to dispensemedications out of the cartridges according to either an automaticdispensing schedule or in response to a demand.

In an example embodiment, each cartridge includes a chip containingdata, and the data is encrypted and is configured to only be read by themedication dispensing device associated with a patient.

In an example embodiment, the medication dispensing system furtherincludes an identification verification system that is configure to onlyallow medications to be dispensed from the cartridges in response to apositive verification of a user.

In an example embodiment, the identification verification systemincludes at least one sensor on either the dispensing device or anexternal device that is in electrical connection with the dispensingdevice.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofdispensing a medication to a user is provided. The method includes thestep of inserting at least one cartridge into one of a plurality ofcartridge slots within a housing of a medication dispensing device. Theat least one cartridge includes a stationary hub and a rotation wheel.The rotational wheel includes a plurality of circumferentially spacedapart chambers including medication doses. The method proceeds with thestep of reading data contained on the at least one cartridge and storingin a memory of the dispensing device information related to themedication doses. The method continues with the step of receiving with aprocessor an instruction to dispense a medication dose from the at leastone cartridge. The method proceeds with rotating the rotational wheel ofone of the cartridges with a drive mechanism to vertically align one ofthe chambers with a medication drop door causing the medication dose inthe chamber that is now aligned with the medication drop door to fallout of the cartridge.

In an example embodiment, the method further includes the step ofverifying an identity of a user after the step of receiving theinstruction with the processor, and the step of rotating the rotationalwheel is proceeded to only in response to a positive verification of theidentity of the user.

In an example embodiment, the step of inserting at least one cartridgeinto one of a plurality of cartridge slots is further defined asinserting at least two cartridges into at least two cartridge slots.

In an example embodiment, at least one of the cartridges is associatedwith a first user and at least one of the cartridges is associated witha different second user, and the step of verifying the identity of theuser includes verifying that the user is the user associated with thecartridge to be dispensed from.

In an example embodiment, the instruction to dispense a medication dosefrom one of the cartridges is according to an automatic dispensingschedule that is recorded in a memory of the medication dispensingdevice.

In an example embodiment, the automatic dispensing schedule isdownloaded to the memory from the chip on the at least one cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the disclosure will becomemore readily appreciated when considered in connection with thefollowing description of the presently preferred embodiments, appendedclaims and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of amedication dispensing device;

FIG. 2 is a top elevation and fragmentary view of the first exemplaryembodiment of the medication dispensing device and with a lid of themedication dispensing device being in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a partially cross-sectional view showing a cartridge disposedin the first exemplary embodiment of the medication dispensing device;

FIG. 4 is another partially cross-sectional view showing a cartridgedisposed in the first exemplary embodiment of the medication dispensingdevice and during a dispensing operation;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a rotational wheel of an exemplaryembodiment of the cartridge;

FIG. 6 is a bottom elevation view of an exemplary cartridge;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the rotational wheel of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a partially cross-sectional view showing the exemplarycartridge disposed in a cartridge slot of the first exemplary embodimentof the medication dispensing device;

FIG. 9 is a back elevation view of a stationary hub of the exemplarycartridge;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exemplary rotational wheel;

FIG. 11 is a top elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a fillplate;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the fill plate of FIG. 11 andshowing a cartridge to be filled positioned below the fill plate andshowing a gate in a closed position;

FIG. 13 is another perspective view showing the fill plate of FIG. 11and showing the gate in an open position and showing a cartridge that isfilled with medications;

FIG. 14 is a perspective elevation view of a second exemplary embodimentof the medication dispensing device;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing many of the electrical components ofthe dispensing device;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing an environment in which thedispensing device operates;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing an exemplary pharmacy that can fillcartridges for the medication dispensing device; and

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a methodof dispensing a medication to a user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views, one aspect of the present inventionis related to a medication dispensing device 20 that is configured toautomatically dispense one or more different types of solid medications22 to a user (e.g., a patient, a caregiver or the like). The dispensingdevice 20 is conveniently contained within a compact package, which canbe stored in a convenient location within a user's house, such as on akitchen counter, under a shelf, or on a bedside table. The medicationscontained in the dispensing device 20 are hereinafter frequentlyreferred to as pills 22; however, it should be appreciated that othertypes of solid medications (such as tablets, gel caps, capsules or thelike, e.g., non-liquid medicines) may be employed. As discussed infurther detail below, in operation, the dispensing device 20automatically dispenses a predetermined dosage of pills 22 directly outof one or more medication cartridges 24 either according to a pre-setschedule or upon receiving an on demand request from the user. Thisimproves medication compliance by allowing the user to convenientlystore a large supply of different pills 22 in a single, convenientdevice 20, which not only stores the pills 22 in a sorted manner butalso assists the user with their medication schedule, thereby preventingeither missed or double doses. As also discussed in further detailbelow, the medication dispensing device 20 is a smart device in that itknows what types of pills 22 are contained within it and the quantitiesof those pills 22 and is able to communicate this and other informationto a user's external device 26 and is able to receive information fromthe external device 26. The external device 26 may be, for example, asmart phone, a tablet, a personal, computer, a smart watch, a dedicatedunit, a voice assistance, a host, or any suitable type of electronicdevice. The cartridges 24 in the dispensing device 20 may contain arange of different types of pills 22 including both prescription andnon-prescription medications. As discussed in further detail below, thedispensing device 20 may also communicate with other authorized devices,e.g., a caregiver device, a family member device and the like. This canwork to notify others of any or all dispensing events.

The dispensing device 20 includes a housing 28 with an open interior anda dispensing tray 30. A lid 32 is hingedly connected with the housing 28and can be manually or automatically opened and closed. The housing 28and lid 32 are sealed against one another to block all or substantiallyall outside light from entering the open interior, thereby controllingthe environment within the open interior. The lid 32 is shown on the topof the housing 28 but may also be positioned on the side or rear of thehousing 28. The cartridges 24 are removably contained in the openinterior and can be accessed by opening the lid 32.

A front side surface of the housing 28 includes machine-to-humaninteraction devices or a human machine interface (HMI). Four suchdevices are a display screen 34, a keypad 36, at least one button 38,and a verification device (such as a fingerprint scanner 39). Thedisplay screen 34 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) orlight emitting diode (LED) display and may include a touch screeninterface. However, any suitable screen type may be employed. Thedisplay screen 34 and keypad 38 allow a user to, inter alia, check thequantities and types of medications contained in the dispensing device20; adjust an automatic dispensing schedule; and/or pair the dispensingdevice with the external device 26. When the dispensing device 20determines that the medication count in any of the cartridges 24 isbelow a predetermined threshold (e.g., a week or two of medication dosesremains), an alert can be displayed on the display screen 34. In theexemplary embodiment, the at least one button 38 is a dispense button 38for requesting an immediate release of a dosage of pills 22 from one ofthe cartridges 24. The user can use the keypad 36, the display screen34, or the external device 26 to select which of the cartridges 24 inthe dispensing device 20 releases the medication dose upon activation ofthe dispense button 38. The dispensing device 20 may also include aspeaker and/or a microphone to provide other means by which the user caninteract with the dispensing device 20 to perform any of theaforementioned operations. The fingerprint scanner 39 (or otherverification device) functions to verify a user's identity prior todispensing any pills 22 or certain types of pills 22 in a mannerdescribed in further detail below. The housing 28 further includes anelectronic communication port, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port40, for communicating with the external device 26 in a non-wirelessmanner. Other types of electronic communication ports may alternately oradditionally be included.

The interior of the housing 28 includes a plurality of cartridge slots42 that can removably hold a plurality of cartridges 24. In theexemplary embodiment, the housing 28 includes eight cartridge slots 42with four of the cartridge slots 42 containing respective cartridges 24and with four of the cartridge slots 42 being empty and ready to receivecartridges 24. As discussed in further detail below, the cartridges 24can be inserted into and removed from the cartridge slots 42 in a quickand easy manner by the user without any special tools. The cartridgeslots 42 are preferably configured such that proper insertion of acartridge 24 therein results in an audible “snapping” sound to providethe user with a positive affirmation that the insertion was successful.In other embodiments, the housing 28 may contain more or fewer thaneight cartridge slots 42. Cartridges 24 containing any combination ofthe same or different types of medications can be disposed in anycombination of the cartridge slots 42.

In the exemplary embodiment, each cartridge slot 42 includes anincrement gear 44, a pill drop door 46, a data reader 48, and a refillindicator light 50. As discussed in further detail below, thesecomponents can all be controlled by a processor 1500 that will executeinstructions to control these components using instructions stored in amemory 1504, sensed information from the components, and informationdownloaded from external data sources, e.g., servers.

The increment gear 44 is a part of a drive mechanism that also includesan actuator, such as an electric motor 1502, for activating thecartridge 24 contained in the respective cartridge slot 42 to release adose of medication, which may include one or more pills 22. Upon releaseof pill(s) 22 from the cartridge 24, the pill drop door 46 guides thepill(s) 22 into a dispensing chute 51, which guides the pill(s) 22 intothe dispensing tray 30, as discussed in further detail below. Theincrement gear 44 may take a range of different forms including those ofa spur gear or a worm gear.

In the exemplary embodiment, the data reader 48 is a chip reader 48 thatis configured to read data contained on a chip 49, which is found on thepackaging of the cartridge 24. The data may be contained on a memory,such as an electronic memory or a magnetic memory, that is embeddedwithin the chip 49 on the packaging. The data preferably includes: (1)drug name and strength; (2) medication count; (3) physicianinstructions; (4) refill date; (5) dispense date; (6) expiration date,etc. Additional data may also be included in the chip 49. The chip 49may be of the contact or wireless type, such as a Radio-FrequencyIdentification (RFID) chip or a chip that communicates via cellularprotocols. In an example embodiment, the data contained on the chip 49is encrypted, and the processor 1500 in the dispensing device 20 candecrypt the data stored in the chip 49. In one embodiment, theencryption can be configured such that the data on the chip 49 can onlybe read by a single dispensing device 20, i.e., the one associated withthe patient that the cartridge 24 is prescribed to. This ensures thatonly the correct person can access the pills 22 contained in thecartridge 24 by preventing another person's dispensing device fromdispensing medications from the cartridge 24.

In other embodiments, the cartridge 24 packaging may contain a uniquecode that can be read by the data reader 48 and that instructs thedispensing device 20 as to the contents of the cartridge 24. Such a codecould be provided in the form of, for example, a barcode, or aquick-response (QR) Code. In these embodiments, the data reader 48 hasthe appropriate form to read the code, e.g., a barcode scanner or a QRcode scanner. The dispensing device 20 can use the unique code todetermine the type and quantity of the medication in the cartridge 24 byreferencing a database, which may be stored on an internal memory 1504of the dispensing device 20 or on an external server that may be remotefrom the dispensing device 20 and only accessible via the internet 1600.

In operation, when the dispensing device 20 determines that themedication count in one of the cartridges 24 is below a predeterminedthreshold (e.g., less than a week of less of medication remaining), therefill indicator light 50 associated with the cartridge slot 42containing that cartridge 24 turns on to alert the user that thereplacement of the cartridge 24 will be required soon if the medicationcontained therein is to be continued. The display screen 34 can alsoprovide an alert or the alert can be provided to the user throughanother means, such as an audible alert through the speaker or anotification on the external device 26. Similarly, if the dispensingdevice determines that the pills 22 in any of the cartridges 24 areapproaching their expiration dates or have been recalled by theirmanufacturers, the refill indicator 50 associated with the appropriatecartridge slot 42 turns on to alert the user that replacement of thecartridge 24 will be required immediately or soon if the medicationcontained therein is to be continued. In all of these cases, thedispensing device 20 may provide the user with alerts through otherways, such as on the display screen 24 or on the external device 26. Thealert could include, for example, a phone number to call or a directlylink to contact a pharmacy or medical care provider to refill themedication.

The dispensing device 20 is preferably powered by alternating current(AC) from a wall outlet as its primary power source but contains abattery backup 52 so that operation continues in the event of a loss ofpower from the primary power source. The battery backup 52 may be aremoveable or non-removeable rechargeable battery pack or it may be oneor more disposable battery cells.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-10, an exemplary embodiment of one of thecartridges 24 is shown. The cartridge 24 is comprised of two mainpieces: a stationary hub 54 and a rotational wheel 56. These pieces areeach preferably made of a polymeric material, e.g., plastic, and areshaped through an injection molding operation. However, other materials(e.g., metal, alloys or other rigid materials) and manufacturingoperations may be employed.

The stationary hub 54 has a cylindrically shaped opening with a flatbottom 58 and a side wall 60. The rotational wheel 56 is disposed in thecylindrically shaped opening and is rotatable relative to the stationaryhub 54 within the opening. The side wall 60 does not extend through afull circle but rather has a gap, or window 62, formed into it. Thestationary hub 54 also has an outer surface that faces away from therotational wheel 56 and that has a centrally located tab 64, which has anon-circular in shape (e.g., a key, a 3D polygon or the like). As shownin FIG. 8, when the cartridge 24 is inserted into the cartridge slot 42,the tab 64 is inserted into a correspondingly shaped opening (e.g., akeyhole) on a vertical wall of the cartridge slot 42 to hold thestationary hub 54 in place with the window 62 facing verticallydownwardly.

The rotational wheel 56 has a container portion 68 and a gear portion70. The container portion 68 has a generally circular outer perimeterand is sized to fit within the confines of the circular side wall 58 ofthe stationary hub 54, i.e., the side wall 58 has an inner diameter thatis slightly greater than an outer perimeter of the container portion 68.In one embodiment, the container portion 68 has an approximatelynine-inch (9 in) diameter. In other embodiments, the container portion68 may be either smaller or larger than nine inches in diameter. Thegear portion 70 includes a plurality of gear teeth extending along itsperiphery for mechanical engagement with a drive mechanism in thedispensing device 20 to rotate the rotational wheel 56 to dispense pills22 therefrom during operation of the dispensing device 20.

The rotational wheel 56 includes a plurality of radially radial walls 72that extend from a circular inner wall 74 and are separated from oneanother by a plurality of distinct pill chambers 76 that can eachcontain a dose of medication, which may include one or more pills 22(FIGS. 3 and 4 show the pills 22 in the chambers 76) that can either bethe same type of medication or a different type of medication. Due tothe radial extension of the radial walls 72, the pill chambers 76 areall generally wedge, or pizza slice, shaped. In the exemplaryembodiment, the radial walls 72 are equally spaced apart from oneanother such that the pill chambers 76 all have the same shape and size.More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment, adjacent radial walls 72are angled relative to one another by approximately 12.7° such that therotational wheel 56 has enough pill chambers 76 to store a thirty (30)day supply of a medication doses plus one empty chamber 76 that isintentionally without pills 22 and that is aligned with the window 62 ofthe stationary hub 54 after the cartridge 24 is filled and prior to itbeing inserted into the dispensing device 20. Initially aligning theempty chamber 76 with the window 62 allows the cartridge 24 to behandled prior to insertion into the dispensing device 20 without any ofthe pills 22 falling out of the other pill chambers 76.

In another embodiment, the radial walls 72 are angled relative to oneanother by approximately 7.8° so that the rotational wheel 56 has enoughpill chambers 76 to store a forty-five (45) day supply of medicationplus one empty pill chamber 76. In other embodiments, the rotationalwheel 56 could be provided with more or fewer pill chambers 76, and theradial walls 72 may be spaced apart from one another by variabledistances such that at least some of the pill chambers 76 have differentsizes to accommodate different medication doses. In some embodiments,the rotational wheel 56 may lack the circular inner wall 74 and theradial walls 72 may all extend to a common central location.

The pills 22 may be contained in the pill chambers 76 of the rotationalwheel 56 either loosely or in individual dose packages. In someembodiments, the same types and quantities of pills 22 may be containedin all of the pill chambers 76. In other embodiments, the cartridge 24may be customized to a person's specific medication regimen by includingdifferent medication dosages (e.g., either different pills 22 ordifferent quantities of pills 22) in different pill chambers 76. In someembodiments, at least two different types of pills 22 may be disposed inone or more of the pill chambers 76.

During assembly of the cartridge 24, the pills 22 are loaded into thepill chambers 76, such as with the equipment and according to theprocess described in further detail below. Next, a cap may be fitted tothe stationary hub 54 to trap the rotational wheel 56 with the pills 22within the stationary hub 54. A radial gap between each of the outeredges of the radial walls 72 of the rotational wheel 56 and the sidewall 60 of the stationary hub 54 is preferably no greater than oneeighth of an inch (⅛″) and is preferably approximately one sixteenth ofan inch ( 1/16″) to ensure that even the smallest pills 22 are not ableto pass through this gap from one pill chamber 76 to an adjacent pillchamber 76. The stationary hub 54 and the rotational wheel 56 may befixed together against relative rotation, such as with a pawl 80, sothat the cartridge 24 can be handled or shipped without the pills 22falling out therefrom.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the cartridge 24 is installed in thecartridge slot 42, teeth on the increment gear 44 are mechanicallyconnected with teeth on the outer periphery of the gear portion 70 ofthe rotational wheel 56. This mechanical connection between theincrement gear 44 and the gear portion 70 of the rotational wheel 56 mayeither be direct or may be via one or more intermediate gears. Thenon-rotationally symmetrical shape of the tab 64 ensures that the window62 of the side wall of the stationary hub 54 remains aligned with thepill drop door 46 as the rotational wheel 56 is driven in rotation bythe increment gear 44.

In operation, activation of the electric motor 1502 (shown in FIG. 15)in respond to a command (either according to a manual demand or anautomatic dispensing schedule) to dispense a dosage of pill(s) 22 fromthe cartridge 24 rotates the increment gear 44 to turn the rotationalwheel 56 about a horizontally extending axis while the stationary hub 54remains fixed with the housing 28. This brings a next sequential one ofthe pill chambers 76 into alignment with the pill drop door 46. Gravitythen pulls any pill(s) 22 in the pill chamber 76 out of the pill chamber76 and into the dispensing chute 51, which conveys those pill(s) 22 tothe dispensing tray 30. The housing 28 may include a single dispensingchute 51 with a funnel shape that can receive pills 22 from all of thecartridges 24 or may include multiple dispensing chutes 51 all leadingto a common dispensing tray 30.

The teeth on the gear portion 70 of the rotational wheel 56 are disposedat a fine pitch to allow for the rotation of the rotational wheel 56 tobe very precisely controlled. The location of the teeth on the outerperiphery of the rotational wheel 56 has been found to allow for veryprecise movements of the rotational wheel 56, thereby preventingunintentional double dispensing (dispensing the contents of two pillchambers 76 when only one should be dispensed) or missed dispensing(when the rotational wheel 56 does not rotate enough to dispense adosage of pills 22).

The spring-loaded pawl 80 cooperates with the gear teeth on therotational wheel 56 to restrict unintentional rotation of the rotationalwheel 56. In the event of a loss of power or a malfunction of thedispensing device 20, an access door may be provided on the cartridge 24to allow the user to access and manually disengage the pawl 80 andmanually rotate the rotational wheel 56 until a dosage of pill(s) 22 isdispensed therefrom. In some embodiments, the pawl 80 may be a componentof the cartridge slot 42 of the dispensing device 20 rather than of thecartridge 24.

The dispensing device 20 can operate with cartridges 24 occupying anynumber and any combination of the cartridge slots 42. When properlyinstalled in the cartridge slots 42, the cartridges 24 are oriented suchthat their respective central axes, about which the respectiverotational wheels 56 rotate, all are oriented horizontally and areco-axially aligned with one another. For each cartridge 24, the shape ofthe tab 64 on the stationary hub 54 ensures that the window 62 facesdownwardly towards the pill drop door 46 of the respective cartridgeslot 42.

Referring now to FIG. 14, an alternate embodiment of the dispensingdevice 120 is generally shown with like numerals, separated by a prefixof “1” identifying corresponding parts with the parts described above.In this embodiment, the dispensing device 120 further includes a pouchdispensing system 184 that is configured to automatically guide thepills 122 from cartridges contained in the interior of the housing 128into individual pouches 186 that can be removed from the dispensingdevice 120 and taken with the user they take carry their medicationswhile away from the dispensing device 120. This may be helpful for userswhose medication schedules require them to take doses at times when theyare not at home. The pouch dispensing system 184 may dispense anydesired number of doses in separate pouches or packages 186. Thus, theuser can individually package enough doses of medication to take withthem for an extended period, e.g., a week-long vacation. The dispensingdevice 120 may include a switching device, which may include one or moregates, that can be configured to direct the pills 22 to either thedispensing tray 130 or the pouch dispensing system 184.

In an example embodiment, the pouch dispensing system 184 includes areel of refillable plastic or polymeric film. The pouch dispensingsystem can fold the film to form first and second opposing body panelsand then join the body panels together with a plurality of spaced apartfirst seals (such as seals formed through a heat sealing operation) thatextend perpendicularly to the fold to form a plurality of pockets thatthe pills 122 can be inserted into. The pouch dispensing system 184automatically inserts the pills 122 into the pockets and then forms asecond seal that extends between adjacent ones of the first seals tocapture the pills 122 in the pockets. The first seals may then beperforated to allow the pockets to be broken apart into individualflexible packages 186 containing the pills 122 therein. In someembodiments, the pockets can be automatically cut apart from one anotherto form the individual flexible packages 186.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the electrical system of the dispensing device20 is schematically illustrated. As shown, the dispensing device 20includes a processor 1500, such as a microprocessor, that is inelectrical communication with a memory 1504 so that it can read from andwrite to the memory 1504. The processor 1500 may include any suitablenumber or types of processors. The memory 1504 is preferably of thenon-volatile type such that the data stored thereon is not lost in theevent of a power failure in the dispensing device 20. The memory 1504may comprise a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives)and includes a storage management module that manages one or morepartitions within the memory 1504. In some embodiments, the memory 1504may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or thelike. The memory 1504 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-OnlyMemory (ROM), or a combination thereof. The memory 1504 may includeinstructions that, when executed by the processor 1500, cause theprocessor 1500 to, at least, control various aspects of the dispensingdevice 20.

The memory 1504 contains data that includes: (1) which medications arecontained in the cartridges 24 presently found in the cartridge slots42; (2) the medication counts in those cartridges 42; (3) an automaticdispensing schedule (that can be adjusted by the user, a pharmacy 1512,or a pharmacy benefit manager 1514; and (4) a log containing time stampsof all dispensing events. The data contained in the memory 1504 iscontinuously updated by the processor 1500 when appropriate.

The microprocessor 1500 is also in electrical communication with thechip readers 48, thereby allowing the processor 1500 to receive andprocess the data contained on the chips 49 of the cartridges 24 in thecartridge slots 42. The microprocessor 1500 is also in electricalcommunication with the electric motors 1502 so that it can activate anddeactivate the electric motors 1502 to dispense pills 22 from thecartridges 24 in the manner described above in response to either anautomatic pill dispensing schedule or a manual request. Themicroprocessor 1500 is further in electrical communication with therefill indicator lights 50 to activate the appropriate refill indicatorlight(s) 50 if the microprocessor 1500 determines that the medicationcount in any of the cartridges 24 falls below the predeterminedthreshold.

The dispensing device 20 further includes a wireless module 1506 that isconfigured to transmit and receive data with the external device 26,with the pharmacy 1512, with the pharmacy benefit manager 1514, with avoice assistant 1516, or with any other suitable device. The wirelessmodule 1506 could be configured to communicate with any of these devicesvia one or more of Bluetooth®, wireless fidelity (WiFI®), near fieldcommunications (NFC®), cellular communication, or any suitable wirelessprotocol or protocols or combination thereof. Thus, through the wirelessmodule 1506, the automatic dispensing schedule can be downloaded and/orupdated remotely, by the user or the user's medical provider, and themedication count and dispensing log data can be uploaded to and accessedthrough the external device 26 by either the user or a medical provider.

The dispensing device 20 may also be provided with a security system,which must be cleared prior to dispensing one or more types of pills 22contained therein. The security system relies on a positiveidentification of the user. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, theuser's identification is verified using the fingerprint scanner 39 onthe housing 28. In other embodiments, the user's identification isverified using, for example, a personal identification number (PIN),facial recognition, a mobile phone app, a card reader, a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) token, a Rivest-Shamir-Adlemen (RSA) token, etc. Thesecurity system can also utilize one or more sensors in a user's mobiledevice, such as the external device 26, to establish the positiveidentification. That is, before a medication is dispensed, thedispensing device 20 can communicate with the external device 26 which,in turn, will require the user to verify the user's identity through,for example, a fingerprint sensor or a facial identification sensorbuilt into the external device 26.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device 20 may include an inputdevice, such as a microphone 1508, that is configured to receive audiblesignals and an output device, such as a speaker 1510, that is configuredto output audible signals. The audible signals may include voicecommands from the user (e.g., or caretaker and the like), an audibleindication from a mobile computing device (e.g., a wearable device, asmart phone, and the like), any other suitable audible signal, or acombination thereof. For example, the user may provide voice commandsdirectly to the dispensing device 20 using the input device and receivefeedback through an output device.

Additionally, or alternatively, the user may utilize the external device26 to provide audible reminders through a speaker 1510 for takingvarious medications. The external device 26 may generate an audiblereminder at a predetermined time (e.g. corresponding to a time to take aparticular mediation). The input device may receive the audible signal.The dispensing device 20 may dispense medication corresponding to theaudible signal. The external device 26 may run instructions storedtherein to operate an application that works with the dispensing device20. The drug regimen reminders can also be output by the external device26 based on the dosage schedule information that the dispensing device20 knows from scanning the chip (or otherwise reading the data) on thecartridge 24. The user of the dispensing device 20 can opt-in toreceiving notifications or reminders that are generated by thedispensing device 20 and communicated to the external device 26associated with the user. In an example embodiment, the user's externaldevice 26 is authorized by interaction with the pharmacy benefit manager1514 or an insurance computing system, which can authorize use of thedispensing device 20 and gathering information from the dispensingdevice 20.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing an eco-system in which thedispensing device 20 can operate. The dispensing device 20 is inelectrical communication with the internet 1600 via a portal, such as arouter 1602 (wired or wireless) or the external device 26 or through anysuitable internet gateway. Through the internet 1600, the dispensingdevice 20 is able to communicate with the pharmacy 1512 and with thepharmacy benefit manager 1514, thereby allowing the pharmacy 1512 andthe pharmacy benefit manager 1514 to monitor the dispensing of pills 22out of the dispensing device 20. Thus, the pharmacy 1512 and/or pharmacybenefit manager 1514 are able to remotel monitor a user's compliance totheir medication schedule without any direct interaction with the user.In some embodiments, the pharmacy 1512 and/or the pharmacy benefitmanager 1514 can automatically order a new cartridge 24 in response tothe quantity of that medication in the dispensing device 20 fallingbelow a predetermined threshold. The dispensing device 20 can alsocommunicate with the external device 24 or with the voice assistant 1516(such as those sold by Google®, Amazon®, and Apple®) directly and/or viathe router 1602.

The dispensing device 20 may use its communication features, e.g.,audio, VOIP, or text, to call a pharmacist device. When thiscommunication is established, the dispensing device may encrypt thecommunication to ensure private communication. Such a communication canaddress medication concerns or questions. The communication functionscan include the display screen 34 and a microphone and/or speaker builtinto the dispensing device 20. Each of these components can becontrolled by control circuitry and use transmission circuitry tocommunicate with remote devices. In an example embodiment, the displaydevice 20 may use its display screen 34 to show video of a pharmacist(or nurse) speaking in real-time for a more personal interaction withthe user.

Additional devices may communicate with parties in the communicationsystem. The additional devices can be, for example, a payer device or aprescriber device. The payer device can be part of an adjudicationsystem or an insurance company system. The prescriber device may be partof a medical care facility or an individual medical care providercomputing system, may be the prescriber of the medication and the payer(such as an insurance company). These additional devices may be directlyconnected or indirectly connected in which case the pharmacy benefitmanager 1514 or pharmacy 1512 could be an intermediary to the payer orprescriber devices.

The user of the dispensing device 20 may interact with the externaldevice 26 to provide various voice or non-voice commands. The commandsmay indicate a user's desire to refill a prescription, dispense dailymedications, dispense periodic medications, or other suitable commands.The external device 26 may communicate with the dispensing device 20 toprovide data corresponding to voice commands, and the dispensing device20 may take action in response to receiving the data from the externaldevice 26. For example, the dispensing device 20 may communicate withthe pharmacy 1512 to refill a prescription based on data received fromthe external device 26. It should be understood that the dispensingdevice 20 may receive any suitable data from the external device 26 andmay take any suitable action in response to the receipt of that data.

FIG. 17 generally illustrates the pharmacy 1512 according to theprinciples of an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pharmacy 1512may be used to process and fulfill prescriptions and prescriptionorders. After fulfillment, the fulfilled prescriptions are packed forshipping. The dispensing device 20 may be used with other pharmacysystems and the like.

The pharmacy 1512 may include devices in communication with the pharmacybenefit manager 1514 order processing device, and/or the storage device,directly or over the network. Specifically, the pharmacy 1512 mayinclude pallet sizing and pucking device(s) 1712; loading device(s)1714; inspect device(s) 1716, unit of use device(s) 1718, automateddispensing device(s) 1720, manual fulfillment device(s) 1722 (which maybe fulfill environmentally controlled drugs), cartridge fillingdevice(s) 1723, review devices 1724, imaging device(s) 1726, capdevice(s) 1728, accumulation devices 1730, packing device(s) 1732,literature device(s) 1734, unit of use packing device(s) 1736 (which maybe pack environmentally controlled drugs), and mail manifest device(s)1738. Further, the pharmacy 1704 may include additional devices, whichmay communicate with each other directly or over the network.

In some embodiments, operations performed by one of these devices1712-1738 may be performed sequentially, or in parallel with theoperations of another device as may be coordinated by the orderprocessing device, which may include a dedicated processor in operablecommunication with a memory. In some embodiments, the order-processingdevice tracks a prescription with the pharmacy based on operationsperformed by one or more of the devices 1712-1738.

In some embodiments, the pharmacy may transport prescription drugcontainers, for example, among the devices 1712-1738 in the high-volumefulfillment center, by use of pallets. The pallet sizing and puckingdevice 1712 may configure pucks in a pallet. A pallet may be a transportstructure for a number of prescription containers, and may include anumber of cavities. A puck may be placed in one or more than one of thecavities in a pallet by the pallet sizing and pucking device 1712. Thepuck may include a receptacle sized and shaped to receive a prescriptioncontainer. Such containers may be supported by the pucks during carriagein the pallet. Different pucks may have differently sized and shapedreceptacles to accommodate containers of differing sizes, as may beappropriate for different prescriptions.

The arrangement of pucks in a pallet may be determined by the orderprocessing device based on prescriptions that the order processingdevice decides to launch. The arrangement logic may be implementeddirectly in the pallet sizing and pucking device 1712. Once aprescription is set to be launched, a puck suitable for the appropriatesize of container for that prescription may be positioned in a pallet bya robotic arm or pickers. The pallet sizing and pucking device 1712 maylaunch a pallet once pucks have been configured in the pallet.

The loading device 1714 may load prescription containers into the puckson a pallet by a robotic arm, a pick and place mechanism (also referredto as pickers), etc. In various embodiments, the loading device 1714 hasrobotic arms or pickers to grasp a prescription container and move it toand from a pallet or a puck. The loading device 1714 may also print alabel that is appropriate for a container that is to be loaded onto thepallet, and apply the label to the container. The pallet may be locatedon a conveyor assembly during these operations (e.g., at the high-volumefulfillment center, etc.).

The inspect device 1716 may verify that containers in a pallet arecorrectly labeled and in the correct spot on the pallet. The inspectdevice 1716 may scan the label on one or more containers on the pallet.Labels of containers may be scanned or imaged in full or in part by theinspect device 1716. Such imaging may occur after the container has beenlifted out of corresponding puck by a robotic arm, picker, etc., or maybe otherwise scanned or imaged while retained in the puck. In someembodiments, images and/or video captured by the inspect device 1716 maybe stored in the storage device as order data.

The unit of use device 1718 may temporarily store, monitor, label,and/or dispense unit of use products. In general, unit of use productsare prescription drug products that may be delivered to a user or memberwithout being repackaged at the pharmacy 1704. These products mayinclude pills in a container, pills in a blister pack, inhalers,temperature-controlled drugs, etc. Prescription drug products dispensedby the unit of use device 1718 may be packaged individually orcollectively for shipping, or may be shipped in combination with otherprescription drugs dispensed by other devices in the high-volumefulfillment center.

At least some of the operations of the devices 1712-1738 may be directedby the order processing device. For example, the manual fulfillmentdevice 1722, the review device 1724, the automated dispensing device1720, and/or the packing device 1732, etc. may receive instructionsprovided by the order processing device.

The automated dispensing device 1720 may include one or more devicesthat dispense prescription drugs or pharmaceuticals into prescriptioncontainers in accordance with one or multiple prescription orders. Ingeneral, the automated dispensing device 1720 may include mechanical andelectronic components with, in some embodiments, software and/or logicto facilitate pharmaceutical dispensing that would otherwise beperformed in a manual fashion by a pharmacist and/or pharmacisttechnician. For example, the automated dispensing device 1720 mayinclude high-volume fillers that fill a number of prescription drugtypes at a rapid rate and blister pack machines that dispense and packdrugs into a blister pack. Prescription drugs dispensed by the automateddispensing devices 1720 may be packaged individually or collectively forshipping, or may be shipped in combination with other prescription drugsdispensed by other devices in the high-volume fulfillment center.

The manual fulfillment device 1722 controls how prescriptions aremanually fulfilled. For example, the manual fulfillment device 1722 mayreceive or obtain a container and enable fulfillment of the container bya pharmacist or pharmacy technician. In some embodiments, the manualfulfillment device 1722 provides the filled container to another devicein the pharmacy fulfillment devices to be joined with other containersin a prescription order for a user or member. For example,non-environmentally controlled drugs and environmentally controlleddrugs may be filled and joined together for packaging.

In general, manual fulfillment may include operations at least partiallyperformed by a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician. For example, aperson may retrieve a supply of the prescribed drug, may make anobservation, may count out a prescribed quantity of drugs and place theminto a prescription container, etc. or retrieve drugs from a cooler.Some portions of the manual fulfillment process may be automated by useof a machine. For example, counting of capsules, tablets, or pills maybe at least partially automated (such as through use of a pill counter).Prescription drugs dispensed by the manual fulfillment device 1722 maybe packaged individually or collectively for shipping, or may be shippedin combination with other prescription drugs dispensed by other devicesin the high-volume fulfillment center.

The cartridge filling device 1723 is adapted to automatically fill andpackage cartridges 24 for the dispensing device 20 and is shown in FIGS.11 and 12. The cartridge filling device 1723 includes a fill plate 88with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart through openings 90that are arranged in a pattern that is similar to the pattern of thepill chambers 76 of the rotational wheel 56. The fill plate 88preferably includes the exact number of openings 90 as pills 22 are togo into a cartridge 24, and those openings 90 are preferably shaped tohold no more than one pill 22 each. A gate 92 is disposed below the fillplate 88 and is movable between a closed position (shown in FIG. 11) andan open position (shown in FIG. 12). When in the closed position, thegate 92 closes the through openings 90 so that pills 22 can stay in theopenings 90 until the gate 92 is opened.

To fill a cartridge 24, an empty rotational wheel 56 is positioned belowthe gate 92, and the openings 90 are filled with pills 22. The gate 92,thereby allowing the pills 22 to fall into the respective pill chambers76 of the rotational wheel 56. A cap may then be affixed with thecartridge 24 to retain the pills inside of the rotational wheel 56. Thecartridge filling device 1723 may be automated to expedite the fillingoperation. Cartridges 24 may be refilled with the cartridge fillingdevice 1723 after the medication contained in them has been depleted,i.e., the cartridges 24 are recyclable.

The review device 1724 may process prescription containers to bereviewed by a pharmacist for proper pill count, exception handling,prescription verification, etc. Fulfilled prescriptions may be manuallyreviewed and/or verified by a pharmacist, as may be required by state orlocal law. A pharmacist or other licensed pharmacy person who maydispense certain drugs in compliance with local and/or other laws mayoperate the review device 1724 and visually inspect a prescriptioncontainer that has been filled with a prescription drug. The pharmacistmay review, verify, and/or evaluate drug quantity, drug strength, and/ordrug interaction concerns, or otherwise perform pharmacist services. Thepharmacist may also handle containers which have been flagged as anexception, such as containers with unreadable labels, containers forwhich the associated prescription order has been canceled, containerswith defects, etc. In an example, the manual review may be performed ata manual review station.

The imaging device 1726 may image containers once they have been filledwith pharmaceuticals. The imaging device 1726 may measure a fill heightof the pharmaceuticals in the container based on the obtained image todetermine if the container is filled to the correct height given thetype of pharmaceutical and the number of pills in the prescription.Images of the pills in the container may also be obtained to detect thesize of the pills themselves and markings thereon. Atemperature-controlled package may be imaged to ensure the correctcoolant is in the package. The images may be transmitted to the orderprocessing device and/or stored in the storage device as part of theorder data.

The cap device 1728 may be used to cap or otherwise seal a prescriptioncontainer. In some embodiments, the cap device 1728 may secure aprescription container with a type of cap in accordance with a userpreference (e.g., a preference regarding child resistance, etc.), a plansponsor preference, a prescriber preference, etc. The cap device 1728may also etch a message into the cap, although this process may beperformed by a subsequent device in the high-volume fulfillment center.

The accumulation device 1730 accumulates various containers ofprescription drugs in a prescription order. The accumulation device 1730may accumulate prescription containers from various devices or areas ofthe pharmacy. For example, the accumulation device 1730 may accumulateprescription containers from the unit of use device 1718, the automateddispensing device 1120, the manual fulfillment device 1722, and thereview device 1724. The accumulation device 1730 may be used to groupthe prescription containers prior to shipment to the member.

The literature device 1734 prints, or otherwise generates, literature toinclude with each prescription drug order. The literature may be printedon multiple sheets of substrates, such as paper, coated paper, printablepolymers, or combinations of the above substrates. The literatureprinted by the literature device 1734 may include information requiredto accompany the prescription drugs included in a prescription order,other information related to prescription drugs in the order, financialinformation associated with the order (for example, an invoice or anaccount statement), etc.

In some embodiments, the literature device 1734 folds or otherwiseprepares the literature for inclusion with a prescription drug order(e.g., in a shipping container). In other embodiments, the literaturedevice 1734 prints the literature and is separate from another devicethat prepares the printed literature for inclusion with a prescriptionorder.

The packing device 1732 packages the prescription order in preparationfor shipping the order. The packing device 1732 may box, bag, orotherwise package the fulfilled prescription order for delivery. Thepacking device 1732 may further place inserts (e.g., literature or otherpapers, etc.) into the packaging received from the literature device1734. For example, bulk prescription orders may be shipped in a box,while other prescription orders may be shipped in a bag, which may be awrap seal bag.

The packing device 1732 may label the box or bag with an address and arecipient's name. The label may be printed and affixed to the bag orbox, be printed directly onto the bag or box, or otherwise associatedwith the bag or box. The packing device 1732 may sort the box or bag formailing in an efficient manner (e.g., sort by delivery address, etc.).The packing device 1732 may include ice or temperature sensitiveelements for prescriptions that are to be kept within a temperaturerange during shipping (for example, this may be necessary in order toretain efficacy). The ultimate package may then be shipped throughpostal mail, through a mail order delivery service that ships via groundand/or air (e.g., UPS, FEDEX, or DHL, etc.), through a delivery service,through a locker box at a shipping site (e.g., AMAZON locker or a POBox, etc.), or otherwise to a delivery location. Some packages will bedelivered using autonomous delivery vehicles, e.g., ground vehicles oraircraft, to the delivery location.

The unit of use packing device 1736 packages a unit of use prescriptionorder in preparation for shipping the order. The unit of use packingdevice 1736 may include manual scanning of containers to be bagged forshipping to verify each container in the order. In an exampleimplementation, the manual scanning may be performed at a manualscanning station. A mail manifest device 1738 may print mailing labelsused by the packing device 1732 and may print shipping manifests andpacking lists.

Multiple devices may share processing and/or memory resources. Thedevices 1712-1738 may be located in the same area or in differentlocations. For example, the devices 1712-1738 may be located in abuilding or set of adjoining buildings. The devices 1712-1738 may beinterconnected (such as by conveyors), networked, and/or otherwise incontact with one another or integrated with one another (e.g., at thehigh-volume fulfillment center, etc.). In addition, the functionality ofa device may be split among a number of discrete devices and/or combinedwith other devices.

The dispensing device 20 may also contain medications for multipleusers, e.g., different members of a family. In use, the dispensingdevice 20 may validate which user is interacting with the dispensingdevice 20 through a number of different means. For example, in someembodiments, the security system of the dispensing device 20 canvalidate which user is interacting with the dispensing device 20 using apositive identification means. In other embodiments, the user can bevalidated by selecting a user profile and entering a passcode orpassword on the display screen 34 or through a positive voiceidentification either through the microphone 1508 or through the voiceassistant 1516. The processor 1500 may also be configured to verify theidentity of the user using various biometric data, such as a facialscan, a retina scan, a fingerprint scan, or the like. For example, theprocessor 1500 may receive or retrieve a file that contains the facialrecognition data and compare it to the image data captured by an imagecapturing device. The image capturing device may include a camera thatis disposed on the dispensing device 20 or may be associated with theexternal device 26 or any suitable image capturing device. The processor1500 may compare the facial recognition data with the image data usingfacial recognition software. The processor 1500 may verify the user'sidentity in response to a determination that the facial recognition datamatches the image data.

The processor 1500 may also compare an audible input to a correspondingstored file (e.g., a similar audible input, such as a sample speech ofthe user, a corresponding tone, or other suitable audible data) toverify the identity of the user based on a determination that theaudible input matches the corresponding file.

The fingerprint scan can either be from the fingerprint scanner 39 onthe housing 28 for from the external device 26. The processor 1500 mayverify the identity of the user by comparing the fingerprint scan withstored fingerprints associated with the user.

In some embodiments, the processor 1500 may process a retina scan thatmay be taken by a retina scanner on the dispensing device 20 or on theexternal device 26 or any suitable device. The processor 1500 maycompare the retina scan with stored retina scans corresponding to theuser and verify the identity of the user in response to a determinationthat the received retina scan matches the stored retina scanscorresponding to the user.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device 20 may be configured to scana quick response (QR) code or barcode that is associated with the user.For example, the user may receive a WR code or a barcode from theapplication, an SMS message, a text message, an email, a phone call, orother suitable QR code source. The user may print the QR code or barcodeor may present the QR code or the barcode to the external device 26. Theprocessor 1200 may scan, using an image capturing device on thedispensing device 20 or the external device 26, the QR code or thebarcode. The processor 1500 may compare the scanned QR code and/orbarcode to WR code and/or barcode stored on the memory 1504 or othersuitable location. The QR code and/or barcode stored on the memory 1504or other suitable location may be generated by the processor 1500. Forexample, the processor 1500 may generate the QR code and/or barcodestored on the memory 1504 or other suitable location and the QR codeand/or barcode received by the user. In some embodiments, the processor1500 may receive the QR code and/or barcode from the pharmacyapplication. The processor 1500 may verify the identity of the user inresponse to the QR code and/or barcode presented by the user matchingthe QR code and/or barcode stored on the memory 1504 or other suitablelocation.

In some embodiments, the processor 1500 may receive a numeric value fromthe user (e.g., via a keypad 36 input, a display screen 34 input, oranother suitable input device). For example, the user may receive anumeric value from the pharmacy application on the external device 26.The user may then provide or input the numeric value to the dispensingdevice 20. The processor 1500 may verify the identity of the user basedon a comparison of the numeric value to a numeric value communicated tothe processor 1500 via the pharmacy application. It should be understoodthat the processor 1500 may receive any other suitable information fromthe user in addition to or instead of those described herein that theprocessor 1500 may use to verify the identity of the user.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device 20 may include one or moresensors configured to measure or sense various aspects of the dispensingdevice 20 and/or an environment external to the dispensing device 20.For example, the dispensing device 20 may include a motion sensor orother suitable sensor(s) configured to detect motion proximate to thedispensing device. The processor 1500 may receive data from the sensorand may illuminate a light associated with the dispensing tray 30 inresponse to the detected motion.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device 20 may include one or morevital measurement devices. For example, the dispensing device 20 mayinclude a pulse monitor, a blood pressure cuff (e.g., of anothersuitable blood pressure measuring device), other suitable vitalmeasurement devices, or a combination thereof. The user may interactwith the one or more vital measurement devices. For example, the usermay use a pulse monitor to measure the user's pulse. The processor 1500may receive a pulse measurement from the pulse monitor indicating theuser's pulse. The processor 1500 may store the pulse measurement in auser measurement table database along with any other user measurementsdata. The user measurements data may be stored on the memory 1504, on acloud computing device, on a mobile computing device of the user, and/oranother suitable location. For example, the processor 1500 may storeand/or update the user measurements data in the memory 1504.

In some embodiments, the user may interact with a blood pressuremeasuring device of the dispensing device 20. The user may use the bloodpressure measuring device to measure a blood pressure of the user. Theprocessor 1500 may receive a blood pressure measurement from the bloodpressure measuring device indicating the blood pressure of the user. Theprocessor 1500 may update the user measurements data to include theblood pressure measurement.

In some embodiments, the user may interact with a thermometer of thedispensing device 20. The user may use the thermometer to measure atemperature of the user. The processor 1500 may receive a temperaturemeasurement from the thermometer indicating the user's temperature. Theprocessor 1500 may update the user measurement data to include thetemperature measurement. It should be understood that the dispensingdevice 20 may include any suitable measuring device that the user mayinteract with to provide measurement data corresponding to the user.

In some embodiments, the user may interact with a keyboard, touchscreen, or other suitable input device to provide various measurements(e.g., pulse measurement, blood pressure measurement, temperaturemeasurement, insulin measurement, other suitable measurements, or acombination thereof). For example, the user may interact with a touchscreen on the dispensing device 20 to provide various measurements tothe dispensing device 20. In some embodiments, the user may interactwith an application on a corresponding mobile computing device, such asthe external device 26. The user may provide user measurement data usingthe application. The application may communicate the user measurementdata, using the mobile computing device, to the dispensing device 20.The processor 1200 may store and/or update the user measurement databased on the received various measurements.

In some embodiments, the processor 1500 may be configured to communicatethe user measurement data to a pharmacist and/or medical provider. Thepharmacist and/or medical provider may review the user measurement dataand determine whether to adjust one or more medication doses taken bythe user. The pharmacist and/or medical provider may, using a suitablecomputing device, communicate an adjusted medication dose to thedispensing device 20. The dispensing device 20 may adjust a dispensingamount for the medication based on the adjusted dose for the medication.

In some embodiments, the processor 1500 using the wireless module 1506,may identify other devices on the network. For example, the processor1500 may identify devices on the network operating according to the samecommunications protocol. The other devices may include Internet ofThings (IoT) enabled devices, such as a coffee maker, a refrigerator, asmart switch, a smart light, an alarm clock, other suitable devices, ora combination thereof. The processor 1500 may identify behavioralpatterns of the user based on communications with the other devices onthe network. For example, the user may start a coffee maker, open arefrigerator, turn on one or more lights, turn off an alarm clock, andthe like.

The processor 1500 may adjust a dispensing schedule of medications inthe dispensing device 20 based on an identified behavioral pattern. Forexample, the dispensing device 20 may dispense medications in thedispensing device 20 to the dispensing tray 30 at a time thatcorresponds to the user being within a range of the dispensing device20. The processor 1500 may identify the time that corresponds to theuser being within the range of the dispensing device 20 based on theidentified behavioral pattern.

In some embodiments, the processor 1500 may determine whether variousmedications dispensed by the dispensing device 20 and consumed by theuser have adverse effects on the user. For example, the processor 1500may identify a sudden change in the behavioral pattern of the user anddetermine that one or more medications may be contributing to the changein behavioral patterns. For example, the processor 1500 may be incommunication with a machine learning mechanism configured to identifybehavioral changes corresponding to potential side effects of certainmedications. The processor 1500 may generate an indication (e.g., suchas a message or other suitable indication) indicating that the user maybe experiencing side effects from one or more medications. The processor1500 may communicate, using the router 1602, the indication to thepharmacist and/or medical provider. The pharmacist and/or medicalprovider may contact the user and/or may adjust one or more doses ofmedications being consumed by the user.

In some embodiments, the dispensing device 20 may dispense a multipleday supply of medications in response to a request by the user. Forexample, the user may provide an input using any suitable inputdescribed herein, to the dispensing device 20 indicating that the usermay be away from the dispensing device 20 for a period (e.g., onvacation, on a work trip, in the hospital, or any other suitablereason). For example, the user may be taking a trip and will not be nearthe dispensing device 20 for the period. The user may provide thedispensing device 20 with a number of days that the user will be awayfrom the dispensing device 20. The processor 1500 may receive the numberof days and determine a quantity of each of the various medicationstaken by the user for the number of days. The processor 1500 maydispense the quantity of each of the various medications. In someembodiment, the processor 1500 may communicate with a pharmacist and/ormedical provider indicating that the user has requested the multiple daysupply of medication. The pharmacist and/or medical provider maydetermine whether to allow the dispensing device 20 to dispense themultiple day supply, the processor 1500 may receive an indication fromthe pharmacists and/or medical provider instructing the dispensingdevice 20 to dispense the multiple day supply. In response to theprocessor 1500 receiving instructions from the pharmacist and/or medicalprovider indicating not to dispense the multiple day supply, theprocessor 1500 may provide to the user (e.g., via the touch screen,communication via the mobile device, or any suitable mechanism), anotification indicating to the user to contact the pharmacist and/ormedical provider.

In some embodiments, the processor 1500 may be configured to communicatea calendaring application associated with the user. For example, theuser may utilize a calendaring application on the external device 26 orany suitable computing device. The processor 1500 may identify travelplans stored in the calendaring application indicating that the user maybe away from the dispensing device 20 for a period. The processor 1500may generate a request to a pharmacist and/or medical providerindicating that the user may be away from the dispensing device 20. Therequest may be for the pharmacist and/or medical provider to contact theuser. In some embodiments, the processor 1500 may dispense a multipleday supply in response to identifying travel plans in the user'scalendaring application.

In some embodiments, the processor 1500 may identify scheduled events inthe calendaring application. For example, the processor 1500 mayidentify scheduled events that begin prior to a normal dispensing time.The processor 1500 may determine to dispense the medications to thedispensing tray 30 prior to the identified scheduled event (e.g., suchthat the user does not leave the proximity of the dispensing device 20prior to the medications being dispensed).

In some embodiments, the processor 1500 may be configured to perform themethods described as follows. In some embodiments, the processor maycommunicate with various other devices such as mobile computing devices,networks, cloud computing devices, remotely located servers, and thelike to perform the methods described herein.

As discussed above, the dispensing device 20 can either be operatedautomatically according to a preset schedule or the operation can beunscheduled. For automatic operation, a medication dispending schedulemay be stored on the memory 1504 from the external device 26 (whichcould be controlled by either the user, a pharmacy, or a medicalprovider), from the keypad 36, or from the data contained on the chips49 of the cartridges 24. The medication dispensing schedule may also bechanged through any of these means when appropriate. When an automaticdispensing of a medication dose occurs, the dispensing device 20preferably notifies the user of the event. The notification could be,for example, an audible noise played from the speaker 1510, anotification shown on the display screen 34, or a notification sent tothe external device 26. Unscheduled dispensing of the pills 22 can beactivated either through the external device 26 or by pressing thedispense button 38.

Once a dispensing command has been received, the processor 1500instructs the electric motor 1502 associated with the cartridge 24containing the dosage that was requested to rotate the incremental gear44. As discussed above, this action has the effect of rotating therotational wheel 56 about the central axis to expose the next sequentialone of the pill chambers 76 to the pill drop door 46 of the stationaryhub 54, i.e., the rotational wheel 56 is incremented from one pillchamber 76 to the next. The pill(s) 22 contained within the now-alignedpill chamber 76 then automatically fall out of the cartridge 24 and intothe dispensing chute 51, which guides it to the dispensing tray 30. Thefine pitch pattern of the gear teeth on the rotational wheel 56 allowsfor very precise advancement of the rotational wheel 56 to prevent anypills 22 contained in the now exposed pill chamber 76 from getting stuckand remaining in the pill chamber 76.

The processor 1500 then processes a notification to the user that themedication dose has been dispensed and records the dispensing event inthe memory 1504. The dispensing event may also be uploaded to a remotelocation, such as a medical care provider or the external device 26using the wireless module 1506. Next, the processor 1500 makes anappropriate adjustment to the medication count associated with thecartridge 24 that was just dispensed from in the memory 1504. If the newmedication count has fallen below a predetermined threshold, then theprocessor 1500 activates the refill indicator light 50 associated withthat cartridge 24. The processor 1500 may also automatically communicatewith the pharmacy 1512 via the wireless module 1506 to automaticallyprocess the purchase of a new cartridge 24 to replace the nearlydepleted cartridge 24.

The dispensing device 20 may also be programmed to dispense a pluralityof doses simultaneously so that a user can put those doses into aseparate pill container (not shown). This feature allows a user who isgoing to be leaving their home for an extended length of time to taketheir pills 22 with them without bringing along the dispensing device22. The dispensing device 20 can be instructed to dispense multipledoses either from the external device 24 or through the keypad 30 orthrough any other input means. In the embodiment with the pouchdispensing system 184, the multiple doses may be contained in differentpouches 186.

The dispensing device 20 may also be provided with a security systemwhich must be cleared prior to dispensing of one or more types ofmedications contained therein. The security system relies on a positiveidentification of the user through one or more of a personalidentification number (PIN), thumbprint, facial recognition, a mobilephone app, a card reader, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) token, aRivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) token, etc. Each of the cartridges 24 isalso preferably provided with a tamper-proof and/or child safetymechanism.

The dispensing device 20 can improve adherence to a therapy regime. Themedication container can track the date and time of each medicationdispensing event from a specific cartridge 24. The data from thedispensing device 20 can provide reminders to the user, e.g., throughthe external device or the display screen 34. The data from thedispensing device 20 can also be used to detect non-compliance, such asif the dispensing device 20 detects that a pill 22 is not removed fromthe dispensing tray 30, and communicate that non-compliance to assigneddevices, which can be associated with a family member, a caregiver or amedical practitioner. The dispensing data from the medication containercan also be used to identify medications characterized by pooradherence.

The dispensing device 20 can also include an interface that can alertthe user to environmental conditions that may compromise the integrityof the medication (e.g., temperature sensors determining that ambienttemperature has exceeded a certain temperature, that a thermal budgethas been used, or that the interior a chamber has exceeded a moisturelevel. The circuitry in the dispensing device 20 through itscommunications circuitry can electronically communicate with prescribingdoctor's devices, pharmacy devices, insurance companies, pharmacybenefits management devices, and other parties that may be interested inprescription practices and adherence.

The flow chart set forth in FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary method ofdispensing medications to a user. At step 1800, the method includes thestep of inserting at least one cartridge 24 into at least one cartridgeslot 42. At step 1802, the method proceeds with the step of reading dataon the at least one cartridge 24 using the data reader 48. At step 1804,the method continues with the step 1804 of storing an automaticdispensing schedule in a memory 1504. In one embodiment, the automaticdispensing schedule is downloaded to the memory 1504 from the chip 49.The method proceeds with the step 1806 of receiving an instruction todispense a medication. The instruction could come from either theautomatic dispensing schedule or a demand. At decision step 1808, it isdetermined if a user's identification is verified. If the answer at step1808 is no, then the method proceeds back to step 1806. If the answer atdecision step 1810 is yes, then the method proceeds to step 1810. Atstep 1810, the method proceeds with rotating a rotational wheel of thecartridge 24 to dispense at least one medication from the at least onecartridge 1810.

The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles andvarious embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations andmodifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once theabove disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the followingclaims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

The word “example” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as“example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word“example” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As usedin this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise orclear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to mean any of thenatural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B;or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A or B” is satisfied underany of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an”as used in this application and the appended claims should generally beconstrued to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear fromcontext to be directed to a singular form. Moreover, use of the term “animplementation” or “one implementation” throughout is not intended tomean the same embodiment or implementation unless described as such.

Implementations of the systems, algorithms, methods, instructions, etc.,described herein may be realized in hardware, software, or anycombination thereof. The hardware may include, for example, computers,intellectual property (IP) cores, application-specific integratedcircuits (SICSs), programmable logic arrays, optical processors,programmable logic controllers, microcode, microcontrollers, servers,microprocessors, digital signal processors, or any other suitablecircuit. In the claims, the term “processor” should be understood asencompassing any of the foregoing hardware, either singly or incombination. The terms “signal” and “data” are used interchangeably.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a packaged functionalhardware unit designed for use with other components, a set ofinstructions executable by a controller (e.g., a processor executingsoftware or firmware), processing circuitry configured to perform aparticular function, and a self-contained hardware or software componentthat interfaces with a larger system. For example, a module may includean ASIC, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a circuit, a digitallogic circuit, an analog circuit, a combination of discrete circuits,gates, and other types of hardware or combinations thereof. In otherembodiments, a module may include memory that stores instructionsexecutable by a controller to implement a feature of the module.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings and may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of theappended claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that all featuresof all claims and all embodiments can be combined with each other aslong as they do not contradict each other.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filling device for filling a medicationcartridge, comprising: a fill plate including a plurality of openingsthat are spaced apart from one another in a pattern that is similar to apattern of chambers in the medication cartridge, the plurality ofopenings being shaped to allow the passage of one or more medicationsthrough the fill plate; and a gate positioned vertically below the fillplate and configured to move between a closed position and an openposition, the gate covering the plurality of openings from beneath thefill plate when the gate is in the closed position, and wherein movementof the gate causes at least one medication to fall through at least oneof the plurality of openings from above the fill plate to into at leastone of the plurality of chambers in the medication cartridge.
 2. Thefilling device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gate is configuredto swing about a vertical axis from the closed position to the openposition and has a generally planar shape with a flat top and a flatbottom.
 3. The filling device as set forth in claim 1, wherein theplurality of openings in the fill plate is one fewer than a number ofchambers in the medication cartridge such when all of the plurality ofopenings convey medications through the fill plate and into the chambersof the medication cartridge, one chamber in the medication cartridgedoes not receive any medications.
 4. The filling device as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the plurality of openings in the fill plate arecircumferentially spaced apart from one another in a circular pattern.5. The filling plate as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least some ofthe plurality of openings are shaped to allow the passage of only asingle medication through the fill plate at a time.
 6. The filling plateas set forth in claim 1, wherein the openings of the fill plate allowtwo or more pills of a dose to pass into a single chamber of thecartridge for remotely dispensing into a single dosage pouch.
 7. Amethod of filling a medication cartridge, comprising the steps of:preparing a filling plate that includes a plurality of openings that arespaced apart from one another in a pattern; closing the plurality ofopenings from beneath the filling plate with a gate in a closedposition; positioning a medication cartridge that has a plurality ofchambers beneath the filling plate with the gate in the closed positionseparating the filling plate from the medication cartridge; positioninga plurality of medications on top of the gate within the openings of thefilling plate; and moving the gate from the closed position to an openposition, causing the plurality of medications to fall through theplurality of openings of the fill plate and into the plurality ofchambers of the medication cartridge.
 8. The method as set forth inclaim 7, wherein the step of moving the gate from the closed position tothe open position includes swinging the gate about a vertical axis. 9.The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the gate has a planar shape.10. The method as set forth in claim 7, wherein the plurality ofopenings in the filling plate is one fewer than a number of chambers inthe medication cartridge so that when the gate is moved from the closedposition to the open position and the plurality of medications fall intothe plurality of chambers of the medication cartridge, one of thechambers of the medication cartridge does not receive any of theplurality of medications.
 11. The method as set forth in claim 7,wherein each of the plurality of openings in the filling plate is sizedto allow only a single medication to pass through the filling plate at atime so that when the gate is moved from the closed position to the openposition, only a single medication falls into select ones of thechambers of the medication cartridge.
 12. The method as set forth inclaim 7, wherein the medication cartridge includes a rotational wheeland a stationary hub, the rotational wheel including the plurality ofchambers; and further including the step of affixing the stationary hubwith the rotational wheel after the plurality of medications have fallenfrom the filling plate into the plurality of chambers to trap theplurality of medications in the plurality of chambers.
 13. A medicationcontainer and a filling device to insert a plurality of medications intothe medication cartridge, comprising: the medication container includinga stationary hub and a rotational wheel, the stationary hub having awindow, the rotational wheel including a plurality of medicationchambers, the rotational wheel being receivable into the stationary hub,and the stationary hub including a non-circular tab that is locatedalong a central axis about which the rotational wheel can rotaterelative to the stationary hub; the filling device including a fillplate with a plurality of openings that are spaced apart from oneanother in a pattern that is similar to a pattern of chambers in therotational wheel of the medication cartridge, the plurality of openingsbeing shaped to allow the passage of one or more medications through thefill plate; and the filling device further including a gate positionedvertically below the fill plate and configured to move between a closedposition and an open position, the gate covering the plurality ofopenings from beneath the fill plate when the gate is in the closedposition, and wherein movement of the gate causes at least onemedication to fall through at least one of the plurality of openingsfrom above the fill plate to into at least one of the plurality ofchambers in the rotational wheel.
 14. The medication container andfilling device as set forth in claim 13, wherein the gate is configuredto swing about a vertical axis from the closed position to the openposition and the gate has a generally planar shape with a flat top and aflat bottom.
 15. The medication container and filling device as setforth in claim 13, wherein the plurality of openings in the fill plateis one fewer than a number of chambers in the medication cartridge suchwhen all of the plurality of openings convey medications through thefill plate and into the chambers of the medication cartridge, onechamber in the medication cartridge does not receive any medications.16. The medication container and filling device as set forth in claim13, wherein the plurality of openings in the fill plate arecircumferentially spaced apart from one another in a circular pattern.17. The medication container and filling device as set forth in claim13, wherein at least some of the plurality of openings in the fill plateare shaped to allow the passage of only a single medication through thefill plate at a time.
 18. The medication container and filling device asset forth in claim 13, wherein the rotational wheel includes a pluralityof teeth that can be engaged by a drive mechanism to rotate therotational wheel relative to the stationary hub.
 19. The medicationcontainer and filling device as set forth in claim 13, wherein therotational wheel includes a plurality of radially extending walls thatare circumferentially spaced apart from one another by the plurality ofchambers.
 20. The medication container and filling device as set forthin claim 13, wherein plurality of openings are configured to dispensetwo or more pills as part of a single dose into a select one of thechambers of the rotational wheel upon operation of the gate, and whereinrotational wheel is configured to dispense the two or more pills fromthe select one of the chambers into a dosage pack for packaged removalfrom a dispensing device remote from the filling device.